Façade and Storefront Improvement Program

The purpose of the Façade and Storefront Improvement Program aims to encourage downtown building owners or main floor (storefront) tenants to invest in façade improvements and exterior storefront upgrades by providing grants to cover a portion of renovation costs pre-development professional fees. The program intends to support the creation of a more vibrant, attractive and pedestrian-oriented environment within the downtown while at the same time helping to leverage retail and business investment to the area. Visually appealing storefronts can contribute to an economically vibrant downtown and align with the three core values identified in the downtown vision: diversity, uniqueness and character.

A well-designed storefront can provide much-needed services and amenities to residents while contributing significantly to the quality of a neighbourhood’s streetscape and economic vitality. The good retail design extends far beyond the attractiveness and immediacy of the built environment. Benefits include positive changes to the social, economic and environmental health of the downtown community.

The program is intended to assist property owners or main floor (storefront) tenants in contributing to the unique and vibrant urban place of downtown and facilitating the addition of building features that improve the pedestrian experience. The program will provide funding to: preserve the historical integrity of buildings in the downtown area; contribute to a high-quality pedestrian environment; encourage the development of distinct character areas; improve perceptions of safety; improve accessibility, and add diversity and interest to retail streets.

The Brandon Downtown Development Corporation will fund up to 25% of eligible project costs, up to a maximum of $15,000 (up to $30,000 for corner properties), and up to 25% of conceptual design work, to a maximum of $3,000. In addition, under extenuating circumstances and at the Board’s discretion, additional funding for exterior renovation work may be available.

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PROGRAM PARAMETERS

  • The Brandon Downtown Development Corporation encourages all applicants to employ the services of an Architect and/or Engineer to create a conceptual design for the proposed exterior improvements. There must be a minimum of three improvements to qualify for the program.
  • In order to be eligible to receive up to 25% of conceptual design work fees, an applicant must have an Architect and/or Engineer to prepare the conceptual design.
  • Grant applications must be received prior to the commencement of work on the project.
  • Proposed project must be located within the Downtown Secondary Plan boundaries and priority will be given to projects located within the Entertainment and Shopping Character Area.
  • Projects must be started within 120 days of receiving approval, be in continuous development for the length of the project and be completed within 1 year (may apply for one 6-month extension).
  • Failure to comply with this requirement will lead to a cancellation of the funding.
  • Monies will be advanced at project completion.
  • Other grants from government or private agencies may be combined with this award.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicant Eligibility:
  • The applicant must be either the property owner or the main floor commercial tenant.
  • Tenant applicants must have at least three years remaining in their lease.
  • Tenant applicants must obtain the property owner’s signed approval for the proposed project.
  • The applicant and subject property must be current on all City of Brandon fees and taxes.
  • Government offices and major chain franchises are not eligible to receive funding.
    Failure to comply with this requirement will lead to a cancellation of the funding.
  • The applicant’s premises must be located within downtown Brandon and businesses located within
    the Central Business Character Area (as per the Downtown Brandon Secondary Plan By-Law No.
    7238) will be given priority.
Geographic Eligibility:
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View Full Program Guideline

Feedback from Our Grant Recipients

Our experience was a very smooth process. Great communication and fast response times. This grant will help our business by increasing customer traffic to our location and customer awareness.
Frank Arndt
Frank ArndtmyITsource
Working with the BDDC and Emmanuel was effortless for us. We appreciate the efficiency of the program and the organization. The launch of Brandon Jobs will benefit downtown as it will drive increased customer traffic to our location and we hope someday will be showcased as a Brandon success story when it goes global!!
Rob starkell
Rob starkellWest-Can HR
As a new organization in Downtown Brandon, having access to practical and supportive funding through the BDDC has allowed us to gain exposure faster than we otherwise could have. Starting up any business is expensive and knowing we could access financial help for our website, social media, and printed promotional items allowed the BIZ to get our name out there and gain momentum faster than we otherwise would have been able to.
Emmy Sanderson
Emmy SandersonBrandon Downtown Biz
My experience working with BDDC and Emmanuel has been very positive. Emmanuel has consistently responded to my calls, emails, and texts in a timely manner. He is approachable and knowledgeable about available resources. So far, the grant has helped cover one month of my rent expenses. BDDC has helped our business remain downtown, to provide access to mental health and addiction counselling for participants.
Timothy Crawford
Timothy CrawfordTLC Supports
Our experience with BDDC and Emmanuel was a good one. The grant has helped our organization, as we now have an updated and more user-friendly website. Our old website was 10 years old. It was on it's last legs and some people found it frustrating to navigate. The Y is a big part of Brandon's downtown. Having an updated website allows us to communicate with our participants, and potential participants, more effectively.
AI Nerbas
AI NerbasYMCA of Brandon
Our experience working with BDDC and Emmanuel has been very positive. The initial visit to our office with Emmanuel, the opportunity to access substantial funding, and supporting our access to local expertise have been instrumental in successfully accessing the grant, and using the funds to advance our business.
Crystal Buhler
Crystal BuhlerC. Buhlar & Associates Ltd
The experience with BDDC was wonderful! Emmanuel was a great help in the process from start to finish. He made the application and process smooth & easy for us to understand. We were able to apply the grant to upgrade our accounting software systems to better streamline for employees & clients. BDDC's help will provide more online services for new & current clients who are unable to attend the local branch.
Liz Bhugwandeen
Liz BhugwandeenPatersons LLP
The grant was important in helping us move capital projects forward in a timely manner. It would be no exaggeration to say that our improvements would not have happened in the past year without the financial assistance of the BDDC and Emmanuel. The building we received help for housing 12 entrepreneurs in an entrepreneurship incubator. As well, there are an additional 8 tenants on both floors. These businesses would have looked for other accommodations if upgrades were not made. Perhaps even leaving the downtown area.
Bill Hogan
Bill HoganCommunity Futures Westman
The BDDC grant was much appreciated in this high-interest rate environment to help overcome the hurdles of starting a business downtown. These hurdles include old infrastructure, attracting healthcare staff, and neighbourhood security. We moved into a 67-year-old building in 2021. To meet modern healthcare codes, building plumbing and electrical needed to be replaced and safely dealt with old materials in up to six flooring layers.
Dr. Todd Kruk
Dr. Todd KrukFieldstone Dental Ltd
The support from BDDC has been key to growing our business. While the costs associated with running a business in downtown Brandon are lower, we’re not always able to reinvest resources into the business as we would like to. The grant we received has allowed us to spend important time growing our business, and we’re grateful.
John Jackson
John JacksonLINKS Institute